Some "food" for thought ...The world-famous Beacon Drive-In is one of those legendary places that visitors seem to already know when they arrive. Offering their famous Southern sweet tea, hash aplenty plates, Pig’s Dinner massive ice cream bowls, and much more, it’s often the first stop once fans venture away from camp. The restaurant is just a short drive from Wofford, and the experience is one to be remembered. The Beacon has been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on the Food Network. Go to www.beacondrivein.com.Closer to camp – within a short driving distance or even walking distance for the hearty – is downtown Spartanburg’s Morgan Square, featuring Wild Wing Café, Delaney’s Irish Pub, Thai cuisine at the Lime Leaf, sandwiches at Groucho’s, great gourmet sandwiches and more at Cribb’s Kitchen, Italian fare at Renato’s (which recently moved to Morgan Square), Asian at Monsoon Noodle House and pizza at Wild Ace. You’ll also find Carriage House Wines, Miyako sushi bar and RJ Rockers Brewery and Main Street Pub.Other restaurants and bars in the downtown area, offering a variety of menus, include Boots’ & Sonny’s Drive-In (famous for its hot dogs with chili), Krispy Kreme (doughnuts), Ike’s Korner Grille (great greasy burgers and handcut fries) the Nu-Way (good greasy burgers and more), Papa’s Breakfast Nook, Peddler Steak House, Ricky’s Drive-In (more hot dogs), Sugar and Spice Drive-In (don’t forget the baklava), Mellow Mushroom and Venus Pie pizza.Across Pine Street from camp are McDonald's, Basil's Grill, Hardee's and Long John Silver's. At the bottom of Twitty Street, of course, is Starbucks.And, Jeremy will steer you to the Pizza Inn!

I'm happy to be a resource for anyone visiting training camp at Wofford ... questions about the opening party, campus, parking, etc. and about Spartanburg (restaurants, hotels, etc.).Happy to help in any way I can. If I don't know the answer, I'll do my best to find out for you.Just ask away here or email me at laura.corbin@wofford.edu.Look forward to having all of you on our campus!

From Charlotte, take the Highway 9 exit. Then, you can get on Pine Street (585) beyond the construction. That construction should be done by end of business on Friday; worst case, I'm told, by end of business on Monday.

Note that parking near the stadium may be limited due to construction on campus, so alternatives are provided below. This is especially true on Friday, but also applicable throughout camp.The Lowe's Kickoff Party and Mayors Ball Run - which includes the first training camp practice - will be Friday, July 31, at Gibbs Stadium on Wofford's campus.Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Entertainment by TopCats cheerleaders, mascot Sir Purr and the Black & Blue Crew, along with a “Two States-One Team” drumline showcase. Then, the Panthers will hold their first practice of summer training from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The events are free and open to the public.Food trucks will offer a variety of fare for purchase, and there will be merchandise and souvenirs available as well.Parking/Shuttle Options for Fans Attending Panthers Training Camp:Wofford Campus Parking (throughout training camp):Free daily parking is available on the Wofford College campus adjacent to Gibbs Stadium via Cumming Street or Twitty Street from Pine StreetFriday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2:Additional parking is available for Friday’s Lowe’s Kickoff Party at:Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium (385 N. Church St.) – within walking distance to training campSpartanburg County Administration Building (366 N. Church St.) – after 5 p.m. Friday; within walking distance of training campThe Village parking lot on the Wofford campus, located on the corner of Pearl Street and Osage Street (access from Pine Street to Pearl Street)Calvary Baptist Church on North Church Street, located on the corner of Pearl Street and North Church Street (access from Pine Street to Pearl Street)Additional parking and free round-trip shuttle service will be available from downtown Spartanburg Friday, July 31; Saturday, Aug. 1; and Sunday, Aug. 2. Training camp shuttles will board at 100 Dunbar St. in downtown. Service begins 2 hours before practice is scheduled to begin.Daily Hub City Hopper Shuttle Service (beginning Monday, Aug. 3):The Hub City Hopper Shuttle will provide fans with a direct shuttle to and from downtown Spartanburg for convenient dining and shopping. The service runs daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fans can board the shuttle from the Twitty Street traffic circle adjacent to the main spectator entry gate with downtown pick up/drop off at 100 Dunbar St.